This unit will provide you with a clear understanding of the fundamental theoretical frameworks that guide occupational therapy practice. An historical overview of the profession will be presented so that you can contrast the changes and plot the evolution of occupational therapy practice from the profession's foundations to the present day. The practical application of occupational theory as it drives contemporary occupational therapy practice will be introduced via one key occupational therapy practice model. You will be introduced to the regulatory and professional bodies guiding ethical occupational therapy practice locally and internationally. Skill development will focus on the acquisition of qualiative and quantitative information gathering techniques including interviewing and the application of standardised and non-standardised assessments.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE comments, informal student feedback, unit coordinator reflections.

Presentation of content was often rushed, students suggested more time was needed for practical tasks.

It is recommended that workshop length is increased in 2025 to enable more time to be spent on practical tasks and prevent rushing of content.

Feedback from SUTE comments

Some students stated that they had limited understanding of how the content linked to occupational therapy practice.

It is recommended that more practical examples of occupational therapy practice be incorporated into teaching content, e.g., presentations from practicing clinicians.

Feedback from SUTE comments, informal student feedback, educator observations.

Some students found it difficult to engage with content delivered primarily from a remote campus.

It is recommended that teaching and leading classes be more evenly divided between educators to ensure maximum engagement from all students, regardless of campus location.